Starting a business is not a simple task, the market is challenging and the obstacles retailers face are difficult. It takes more than the ordinary entrepreneur to succeed in this competitive industry. Retailers deserve to be recognized for outstanding customer service and devotion to their community.

This year Retail Alliance will bring an on-shore excursion to Hampton Roads for an exhilarating award show unlike anything you have ever been to before! Which retailer will take home the prestigious award this year?

On the evening of Friday, April 30, Retail Alliance members and guests will be entertained and welcomed aboard during the non-stop action awards program at the Nauticus Museum in downtown Norfolk for the third annual Retailer of the Year cocktail event. So anchors aweigh, join us to the sound of jazz and the array of cruise style activities that will make this night unforgettable!

This year’s event will feature mouth-watering food stations. Attendees will have the chance to sample foods that they otherwise might never have tasted, all while mixing and mingling with other extraordinary guests.

The speaker will be nationally recognized authority on stress reduction through humor, Tim Gard.  Since ancient times scholars have researched the physical, emotional and therapeutic values of laughter. Understanding how to harness laughter for practical benefits (as well as amusement!) is notcommon knowledge. Tim Gard, CSP, CPAE shows how developing a “Comic Vision” makes your life simpler and easier.  Having a Comic Vision means to laugh when you can, be serious about the things you must, and actively use humor to balance stress. It's choosing to see the amusing side of situations that would normally irritate others, create stress, and ultimately reduce productivity. You’ll learn new and better ways of  taking your work seriously, and yourself lightly.

Retail Alliance members are invited to attend this event and will be receiving their invitation via email this month. An RSVP is required to attend the event and seating is limited so be sure to respond to your invite as soon as you receive it. Seats will be available for $15. The event is also opened to non-members.

Click here to register.

For more information contact Jen Webber at 757.455.9323 or jwebber@retail-alliance.com.